The Management of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), through the Committee of Provost and Deans (CPD), has banned the sale of textbooks and other materials by lecturers.

The CPD also abolished the specification and separation of gender on scripts during and after the examination.

This was disclosed in a memo signed by the registrar of the school, Dr. Gloria Chindah.

According to Chindah, the resolution was made during the committee’s 410th emergency meeting held on August 4, saying the institution is poised to end all forms of gender discrimination.

The statement reads in part: “At its 410 Emergency Meeting held on Friday, August 4, 2023, at the Council Chambers, Senate Building, University Park, the Committee of Provost and Deans (CPD) considered and decided All examinations must return to status quo, no more gender separation during examinations.

“All forms of gender discrimination are hereby abolished.

“No marking of “F” and “M” on examination answer booklets.

“Abolishment of sales of books by course lecturers through Course representatives. No attachment of assignments on purchase of textbooks, workbooks, and manuals,” it added.

Chindah noted that the Committee extended the academic calendar of the first semester 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 to end on Monday, August 7, 2023, and the second semester 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 begins on Sunday, August 27, 2023. (The Guardian)